Nurse Betty 8/10

[inglourious basterd]

N Sync, Michael Jackson, and the hot girl with the hot, wet, white dress in the corner office -- what do they have in common? Well, the answer is nothing. Nothing, other than the fact that people love them because of the preconceived images that they associate with them.
Nurse Betty -- a movie that has such a complex plot that I wont even try to sum in up in a sentence -- discusses its theme of preconceived ideas and love With a very original storyline, some incredibly funny macabre humor, and great acting from Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock, and Renee Zellwegger (who deservedly got a Golden Globe for her performance).
Do not watch this movie expecting a laugh-out-loud comedy. It gets its laughs through situational irony, the great interaction between the incredible actors, and the incredibly unique script (all of which I mentioned above). I recommend the film and it was definitely one of the best of 2000. 8/10

[This message has been edited by psudoazn (edited 11-25-2001).]

[Fergus]

This is my review of the film:

Don’t ever say that there weren’t any good movies released in 2000. There happened to be a little film released by USA films called Nurse Betty. It didn’t bring in a ton of money at the box office, but it happens to be one of the best films of last year. It stars everyone’s second favorite pudgy lipped actress, Renee Zellweger (the first being Julia Roberts; I know I have spoken for everyone) in one of her best roles yet, playing Betty. Betty is a waitress at a restaurant (obviously) in small town in Kansas. She’s the average woman, stuck with a mistake she calls her husband, and obsessed with a soap opera called “A Reason to Love.” Betty dreams of one day becoming a nurse… and being with Dr. David Ravell on the show, whom she is madly in love with. Meanwhile, her husband Dell (Aaron Eckhart) gets mixed up with two killers (Freeman & Rock). An event occurs that puts Betty on the road to find the man of her dreams. This also sets the killers on a road trip, chasing Betty (not Amy), because she unknowingly holds a large amount of drugs they are after. And please, do not take this movie entirely seriously, because it is essential to the success of the darkly comic moments.

I will not waste time on the plot because it would give away certain surprises that don’t need to be spoiled.

This movie opens with a scene inside the restaurant Betty works at. She is serving customers behind a counter where Freeman and Rock are sitting enjoying their lunch. At this moment, Betty is glued to the television showing and episode of “A Reason to Love”, and her back is to the customers. Morgan Freeman asks for a refill of coffee. Without taking her eyes off the screen, she steps slowly back towards the counter, takes the pot of coffee and refills his cup. She does this without watching what she is doing and not missing a beat of the action on the television. This is a hilarious scene that sets the mood for the film, and is also a great introduction to Betty’s character.

Zellweger is perfect as the ditzy and slightly crazy Betty. Things have a knack for turning out just right for her. That makes this kind of satirical almost. There isn’t anything that doesn’t turn out just right for her. Freeman turns in another great performance; he should’ve at least got nominated for his work here. He plays Charlie, a killer who finds he has more in common with Betty than he thinks. Charlie becomes obsessed with finding Betty, to the point of almost falling in love. If you understand how alike the two characters are, the movie will make more sense.

There is some very funny parts in this movie, yet it contains a large amount of violence, that is a bit overdone. First we are treated to some smile inducing scenes then there is a sudden outburst of violence that is both surprising and off-putting. The violence may seem unnecessarily gruesome, but it also adds to the uniqueness of the film. And this film is all about originality.

LaBute has crafted quite an original black comedy that came at a time in the year when we least expect a decent movie at all. There is great performances all around and offers a few laughs in the process. The violence is overdone and gruesome, but you can’t help but like this (did I say) original comedy. 9/10